Carpenters union to pause picketing in Seattle after wildcat strikes, dispute with Kshama Sawant

The union, which represents striking carpenters, will temporarily suspend picket lines on union-sanctioned construction sites in Seattle after a series of unsanctioned wildcat strikes Thursday.

Workers will keep their jobs but not picketing on Friday, Northwest Carpenters Union Treasury Secretary Evelyn Shapiro said in a statement Thursday evening. Shapiro said the union is facing possible legal action by contractors over unauthorized strikes.

“We are still on strike and members who have to hold back their work will hold back their work until we have an agreement to consider,” Shapiro said.

The union has been embroiled in internal divisions since its members voted this month to reject a draft agreement and go on strike. The union leadership had recommended the deal, which 56% failed 44%. This was the fourth provisional agreement that was rejected by members. Carpenters who voted no said the deal did not provide adequate wage increases, coverage of parking bills or pension contributions.

The strike began a week ago when union strikes slowed work on selected construction sites in the region.

However, many union members continued to work due to widespread no-strike agreements with employers. Of the approximately 12,000 union members, around 2,000 work in locations where strikes are allowed.

Some union members have criticized the union leadership and discussed unauthorized strikes. The union leadership had warned that employers could face legal challenges and cost union resources. Seattle City Councilor Kshama Sawant joined the fight and supported union members who had voted against the deal.

Sawant was present at a roving protest Thursday that was attended by some carpenters and others. Her political party, Socialist Alternative, said on social media posts that the group had slowed or stopped work on six construction sites. (The union did not provide any information about wildcat strikes.)

Sawant’s support for carpenters who agitate against the union leadership has sparked a public argument with Shapiro.

Shapiro accused Sawant of “interfering with the democracy of the NW Carpenter Union just to gain the limelight for their own political agenda”.

MLK Labor, a coalition of trade unions, said in a tweet Thursday that Sawant should “ask how to support rather than be a nuisance”.

Sawant has released a letter of support signed by some 80 union members, scheduled a rally for Saturday, and announced that it will pay $ 10,000 to a strike fund if the union sets up one.

She wrote on Facebook this week that the use of non-strike agreements “ties the hands of striking workers”. A public petition organized by Sawant states: “We support the carpenters’ reputation for being able to shut down all kinds of construction sites in order to exert the greatest pressure to enforce their demands.”

In a statement on Thursday evening, Sawant reiterated his support for the striking workers. “Your struggle is on behalf of all workers and I am proud to stand by your side,” she said.

Shapiro said Thursday, “As a result of the action taken today, we have been contacted by a lawyer from several employers taking action against the NWCU [Northwest Carpenters Union]. “

“These wildcat actions and roaming protests, carried out on behalf of union carpenters, would likely consume union resources (union dues) and threaten the livelihood of our members,” she said.

The Associated General Contractors of Washington, who represent the carpenters’ employers, have not spoken out since the first day of the strike. Last week the group said they had offered carpenters a “robust and competitive” deal.

The two sides have no date for further negotiations, the union said.